Depth: 0.2 cm; 0 1/16 in
AX34 AX35 AX36
Further images
One side decorated with a central roundel bearing an armorial crest consisting of a rounded band inscribed with the words 'In Deo Confido' above a large bird its wings outstretched to either side underneath which are elaborately carved the initials 'GJ', (probably the family of Tovey), set within two circular bands, the inner circle with a continuous scene of pagodas and trees interspersed with animals, birds and oversized insects, and the outer circle with foliate flower-heads, the other side with a large roundel depicting a scene of Chinese life, within a continuous band of flowers, fruit and butterflies.
Literature
For further research done on the history of Gaming Counters see Dale Seymour, Antique gambling chips, Past Pleasures, California, 1985, p 14 - 16, from where we quote: "Most of these chips were probably made to be sold in Europe for the use in games of Pope Joan, loo, ombre and quadrille. Most of the sets of carved mother of pearl counters purchased around 1835 were bought by wealthy European families. The material mother of pearl was probably chosen for its beauty. The earliest counters (1730-1770) are those which are very plain with little or no decoration. More elaborate engraving soon followed until the early 19th Century, when pieces became thicker and the carving much deeper."
